Why it matters
What EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report) means for a landlord
The EICR became compulsory for new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 and for existing ones from 1 April 2021, and a council can impose a civil penalty of up to £40,000. A report that finds problems does not stop you letting, but any remedial work or further investigation it lists must be done within 28 days of the inspection, or sooner if the report says so, and the landlord must then send written confirmation to the tenant and the council within 28 days of the work. The clock starts on the inspection date, not the day the report arrives.
Worked example
How it plays out
Farah has an EICR done on 4 March 2026 for a semi in Sheffield. The report arrives on 18 March and lists two C2 items. The 28 days begin on the inspection date, so the work must be finished by 31 March, not mid-April. She books the electrician for 27 March, gets written confirmation that the work is complete and sends it to the tenant and the council within 28 days of the work. She also gives the tenant a copy of the report within 28 days of the inspection.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Counting the 28 days for remedial work from the day the report arrived instead of the inspection date.
- 02Treating a C2 or further investigation code as advisory, when both require action within the deadline.
- 03Using an electrician who cannot show they are qualified and competent, for example through a competent person scheme.
- 04Giving the tenant a copy late or not at all: existing tenants within 28 days, new tenants before they move in.
What to do
A short checklist
- Diary the next EICR for each property at the 4-year mark, not the 5-year mark, to allow re-test buffer if remedial work is needed.
- Confirm the engineer’s scheme registration before booking and store a screenshot in the property file.
- Set up a 28-day calendar entry from inspection date for any property with a C1 or C2 result.
- Issue the EICR to the tenant by dated email and store proof of receipt with the report itself.
Sources
- GOV.UK: Electrical safety standards guidance
- legislation.gov.uk: Electrical Safety Standards Regulations 2020
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
